Even in a strong economy, most of us are breaking our backs just to make ends meet while we keep our kids safe and healthy. So how do you save on a single income?

Single Moms Guide to Saving

You clip coupons, shop the supercenter and skip (most) shoe sales while opting for all the generic brands but it’s still not enough.

You’ve Proven to Be Penny-Wise but Likely a Bit Pound-Foolish

Any financial expert worth a dime will tell you that the quickest way to take a chunk off your bills is by taking a look at the big ones first.

Trimming Big Bill Fat

Take a Look at Your Insurance Bills

Insurance is a huge expense, and rightfully so--it protects the most important things you’ve got.

• How can you work if you’re sick?
• How do you get treatment for a sick child without breaking the bank?
• How can you get to work without a car?
• How can you protect your family from losing everything to a natural disaster?
• How can you guarantee a financial future for your children?

The answer to all of these questions lies in insurance.
You need it, but you don’t need to be overpaying for it – and I bet you fall into one of two categories:

1. You don’t have it
2. You’ve continued coverage established by someone else (most likely your ex) and are likely paying for stuff you don’t need anymore and lacking coverage you do need.

If you don’t have health insurance, you’re likely spending a big chunk of money on paying out of pocket – not to mention you may be one mildly serious illness away from going broke and ending up unemployed. Getting a plan will save you money now AND in the long run.

If you’ve got all kinds of insurance but you haven’t taken a look at the policies in the past six months – doing so can save you BIG bucks.

Quick Ways to Cut Big Chunks Off the Budget

• Get higher deductibles on your auto and homeowner’s policies.
• Get new quotes, compare then negotiate with your current company (or change to a new carrier.)
• Keep all your policies within one company.
• Check your coverage. Are you paying more than what you’re covering is worth?
• Update information with insurers.

Since You First Got the Policy Have You:

• Quit smoking or lost weight?
• Added safety locks, an alarm or done other fixes on your house?
• Had your oldest move out and they’re still on your policy.
• Ask about discounts and special group rates you may now qualify for.